The Xbus Is A Modular EV That Reinvents What A Car Can Be

Jack is in Germany to check out one of the most hotly anticipated new EVs of the decade: the Xbus. Promising ultra-modular design in a compact, affordable package, this little EV generated huge hype and thousands of preorders when it first broke cover several years ago, but what’s happened since then? Is the Xbus still on the way? Check out the video to find out!
00:00 Intro
2:12 What is the Xbus?
4:07 The least micro microcar?
6:07 The origin of the idea
8:37 How do you swap modules?
9:45 Xbus interior
11:51 Upcoming changes & production plans
The Xbus will be on display at Fully Charged: LIVE Europe, on the 24th-26th November. Tickets available here: fullycharged.live/
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#xbus #electricbrands #electricvehicles #ev #cleanenergy #microcar #l7 #camper

[@michaelrogers6008]

I want this in the US so badly. The cars here are so unnecessarily huge and full speced and that means they are expensive this is beautiful

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wrong

[@RRCsteve]

Agree everything in the US has just gotten so bloated and unnecessary. I’d been looking at Kei cars and this would be a great alt to those.

[@zooning-6843]

@@sharonbraselton3135I think the opposite of “right” is actually “left”, but to each their own.

[@impguardwarhamer]

reminder that us trucks being unnecessarily huge is actually because of government regulations. They wouldnt make them that big if the gov didnt force them to.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Try a prius or a new compact pickup like the Ford Maverik.

[@yt_Ajay_]

This is so much cooler than the VW ID Buzz. It captures the spirit a lot better.

[@tnickknight]

The Buzz was the exact opposite of the Bus

[@bikeaddictbp]

Different category. This one is exempt from modern crash regulations, and would never pass them. ID Buzz is as compliant with all of them as anything out there. Granted, the crumple zone of the original VW Bus was the thickness of the paint on the front panel, but you can't sell something like that any more.

[@williamwatitwa3534]

Id buz practical, this not so, just adorable design is all it has

[@tnickknight]

No the VW is just a way overpriced and less practical version of the current van. It is an insult to the original, which was cheap and practical @@williamwatitwa3534

[@tsopuaifa]

ID Buzz is all for show.

[@dave4803]

This is what people want from an EV. Simple, fun, cheap and does the job, this is like a modern day VW bus. I just hope they don't make it too boxy as it looks great as is now and I could see myself driving the camper one if and when it comes to UK and is in right hand drive. All the legacy car companies that don't listen to customers and force what they want on others should be taking notes here.

[@JackScarlett1]

Amen!

[@chefscreations]

reminds me of a BayWindow / Wedge mash-up.

[@Hebdomad7]

It's not that car makers aren't listening to their customers. It's that they listen to their customers (and shareholders) too much. You are the one making the car. You should be the expert at building the thing. We don't need another mid sized SUV.

[@dailyrider2975]

YES, but I wouldn't call it cheap.

[@dave4803]

@@Hebdomad7 It is really, people have been asking for a simple barebones EV for years just like this. China makes cars like this because they asked the customers what they wanted and gave it to them. They sell more cheap little EV's in China alone than Tesla do world wide. The car makers in the west instead add more toys and less driver focus, then wonders why the cars aren't selling in high enough numbers. This is what people want.

[@jonathonalsop2120]

The XBus is an awful lot closer to what I want in an electric pickup truck than a Cybertruck or F150 Lightning, and I say that as someone who currently owns an extended cab/8ft bed Toyota Tundra. If I had a car company and built an electric pickup I wouldn't make an extended cab, or offer luxury add ons, the world (read as North America) needs fewer, smaller pickups on the road, that are there for work.

[@Preske]

fewer smaller pickups? so you WANT big pickups?

[@DamianLewd]

So you don’t actually want a pick up truck 😂

[@DamianLewd]

What the hell is a euro pallet

[@JamesThomas-kx5sj]

>Complains that trucks are too big >Actively chooses to buy a full size truck instead of something smaller like a Tacoma or a Ranger

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy. Cyber truck 3 420 watt solar chargering

[@MervynPartin]

Avoiding all the unnecessary frills in the cab is something that the mainstream manufacturers should take on board. Keep things simple. As for the X-bus, I am impressed. It ticks many boxes for me, being under 2 metres wide, lightweight, simple uncluttered bodywork and the campervan module is great. I would have liked a bit more detail in the show about legroom and seat comfort plus a few details about performance

[@examinerian]

This is what I like about EVs - they don't have to follow old rules, and they can generate real-world interest for those of us waiting for a proper fit-for-lifestyle vehicle. Well done! 😎👍

[@LoneWolf-wp9dn]

yes... the flexibility is a big plus... both in shape of the car, shape of the pack, upgradability of the electric system

[@Preske]

The idea isn't even new. It's been around for decades now, but never got past the concept plans.

[@bbbf09]

@@Preske . . . Neither has this in reality. Still can't buy one.

[@jeeves_uk]

EV's don't work in the real world though, fine if you're going to the shop for milk or down the road but any distance will take you twice if not three times as long. who would want that?

[@examinerian]

@@jeeves_uk 🤣

[@MrTplexx]

Interesting to see the idea of a Japanese Kei-Truck or Kei-Van reimagined to fit the European regulations + being electric. I hope X-Bus will be doing well to make more brands recognize the need of such vehicles.

[@crestfallensunbro6001]

i was gonna say it reminded me of Kei-truck

[@fijapopovic5335]

I wish there was a possibility for a conventional powerplant and a 4x4 variant.

[@crestfallensunbro6001]

@@fijapopovic5335 I mean, that's literally just a kei-truck

[@jakewillits4678]

The toyota hilix champ they announced in phillipines would be smarter for us to have compared to keicar becaise you slam on the brales of keicar the back end comes off the ground

[@marsupialdungbucket]

Please make the dealerships have the different modules on a conveyor belt system so you can drive in, swap them out and head off like Thunderbird 2 and its pods. Fold-down palm trees on the exit ramp are an optional extra.

[@gentlemanbirdlake]

X-bus 7 you are go for campervan

[@meikala2114]

F A B

[@drunkenhobo8020]

I am *highly* sceptical about Xbus. Their initial figures they gave in 2021 had their large boxy van achieving an efficiency _twice_ that of a Renault Twizy. They have since revised those figures down quite a bit, but 600 km from 45 kWh is still comparable to the Twizy's 90 km from 6.1 kWh. In something as tall as Jack, as wide as several Jacks and seemingly four times heavier than a Twizy. I just don't see that being possible. I smell another Sono Sion. Promise a world-changer at the start, get a load of investment then slowly scale back the ambition until you don't have any product at all.

[@bazh6041]

Sad to agree, but I do. There may be a viable last mile delivery vehicle here, but all the rest is just marketing cruft. Serious vapourware vibes.

[@merijnreerink1799]

Did Twizy ever update its battery tech or is it still using tech that wasn't new over a decade ago?

[@biglevian]

@@merijnreerink1799 good point, the twizy did never have great specs and they didn't get changed as far as I know. But still, the figures given by X-bus aren't realistic. with a big module you probably can half that. still, it's more than enough for most.

[@GabrielWB]

VDL Nedcar?!? Oh snap! A huge Dutch production plant that goes back to the '60s with names like DAF, Volvo, Mitsubishi, BMW, Smart, and Mini and a historical peak production of 250.000 cars in a year. The BMW X1 recently went out of production so they currenly only produce Minis at the moment. This is great news for both XBUS and VDL!

[@AlexHaan]

If Electric Brands manages to get to production fast enough. VDL has laid off quite some people recently again. They can't wait forever.

[@martinutr]

It is so good to hear that the XBus is still happening. It was too bad when the Sonos Sion, another small practical vehicle with great innovation, stopped being a possibility. Best wishes to the XBus team. It will be great exposure being at Fully Charged Live this weekend in Amsterdam.

[@JackScarlett1]

Still very sad about Sono.

[@adddude7524]

@@JackScarlett1 Because of the whole L7 thing, the X-Bus just never seemed like a proper car, so we really hoped to get the Sion. But in this video there was something about it being on the same level of safety as a 2 ton SUV! Very skeptical about that still, but sounds much better than in the past.

[@electricbrands-ag]

Thanks ✌🏻

[@AlbertLamarque]

​@@adddude7524from a physics standpoint that is not possible. Mass and acceleration always equates to force, and this machine will not be legally able to accelerate like the enterprise going into warp speed. L7 category vehicles will always be less safe, until regulation reigns in excess and makes it financially unviable for the bulk of consumers. Which will benefit everyone. And make no mistake, it will be substantially safer than a bicycle :)

[@sindbad8411]

@@adddude7524 nope, you may want to play and listen to the video once. When talking about 2t EVs he clearly referred to the amount of energy needed to move this mass oftentimes for just one person. The exception from crash and safety regulations as we are used to remains of course. It's a big question and concern for me too. I'm a retired cabinet maker and would need to move wooden boards etc from time to time. Expanding the space in the large cargo box up to 3 Euro-pallets is great news for me but still not enough.Euro pallets are 80 x 120 cm. Meaning the box will be 240cm deep or long. However standard plywood boards are 250 cm. I'm not planing to restart by old business but still want to transport boards, tools furniture let's say every other week or so. I guess I have to try or test. The idea to sit in such a light weight thingy even driving relatively short distances on the autobahn from exit to the next one with a few hundred kg of cargo on top feels, well unusual or new :)

[@davidlazarus67]

I can see those storage units being very popular as mobile store/ coffee shop. Park on the street and just open the side to sell to customers in the area. Something like a mobile key cutting could be popular.

[@PrograError]

If they could bring it to Malaysia and make it cheap enough, it will be popular enough should the state patrol subsidy be removed and the cost of petrol at the same level as market price in Singapore... (most of the food trucks there are just converted full size "pickup" petrol lorries)

[@MaticTheProto]

Or for communities

[@davidlazarus67]

@@PrograError I doubt that a European company can make it cheap enough.

[@PrograError]

@@davidlazarus67 just presuming most of the cost was the crash worthiness... 😉 /S

[@davidlazarus67]

@@PrograError I doubt that’s the problem. Many companies if they require outside financing demand a huge profit margin, so they can pay investors or any debt incurred. Plus with the energy shortages in Europe the cost of the steel and aluminium used will be very high.

[@rickgarland1278]

I went the offices of Electric Brands earlier this year and had a look at their prototypes - I was blown away! I'm one of the 17000 he mentioned 😀

[@jonevansauthor]

It looked like they had a collection of other vehicles there, presumably to learn lessons from?

[@rickgarland1278]

Actually no ... the Evetta is a company they bought and will be releasing 'soon' they will have a announcement event in Jan 2024. The Scooter is an italian ebike company they are working with. The white mini xbus is a single seater last mile delivery vehicle prototype. @@jonevansauthor

[@jonevansauthor]

Although it did occur to me that it could also be, 'The owner has a vehicle collection habit*, much like my one for books and old pen knives from car boot sales.' :D *I'm not a hoarder, I make quadricycles!

[@electricbrands-ag]

@@jonevansauthor We are learning a lot of lessons stsrting from scratch 😬✌🏻

[@electricbrands-ag]

🤜🏼🤛🏻 Thanks for coming over and actually making your own conclusions, based on what you've seen and heard from us directly ✌🏻

[@teamSUMMERFORD]

This nearly production ready XBus is much better than I was expecting it to be! The modularity is really well done, and I love the budget trim level. I’d really love to have one

[@janpcs]

It looks cute now but when everything gets flatter it will look like a brick.

[@sebastiaannagtegaal500]

I hope this will be my first electric car it is just so amazing and multifunctional

[@jonevansauthor]

But it won't be, because it's a quadricycle, not a car or micro car. It's really important because it places all sorts of limitations on it, and reduces safety requirements. All for good reason, but it's super important we not think of them as cars. Can't promote them properly if we allow people to compare them to cars because then they'll say, 'Why doesn't it have all the expense, weight and high speed safety features of a car or a heavy goods vehicle?' Which is the same as asking why you don't get lane assist on your electric bicycle. Can it replace many people's usage of a car? Absolutely. Is it one, is it intended to be one and will it ever be one? No.

[@Wolfmama0104]

An up dated V W van / station wagon. Brilliant

[@fnordpol]

Mine is preordered as well!

[@bluemamba5317]

@@fnordpol R.I.P.

[@dreamcatcher3748]

I love how EVs are bringing innovation back to transportation. Things like modularity, autonomation, light weight, purpose driven design, ridesharing and delivery platforms are all being developed around the world. The paradigms are shifting and that is exciting. This disruption, like those before it, will have winners and losers, new standards, and new solutions to new problems. Underneath it all is the question: How can humans live sustainably on this planet, and will they learn to do so in time? Great presentation Jack! No 'mahoosives' or 'gubbins', but no matter. The wasp made up for it all! 🐝

[@planktonpivot]

So nice to hear that this project is still going. Hope it makes it into full production🤞

[@darrens3]

I like the fact the little vertical front daylight running lights hark back to the overriders (vertical bumper spurs) you see on old bumpers of the 1950s and 1960s.

[@garethbattersby]

I always wondered why EV companies didn't go down the modular route more. Imagine the flat floor plan, batteries etc that can be coupled with any body shape? You don't have to worry about engine placements and stuff.

[@ChipChapChop]

Canoo, (hopefully).🤞

[@petrolak]

VW's MEB is basically what you described. Every new EV from VW group is essentially the same car, they just bolt on a different cabin on top.

[@tsopuaifa]

This is a proper electrical car. I love the sliding windows and the lack of unnecessary stuff in the cabin. A modern electrical environmentally friendly car should be simple and useful. I would love to own one one day. Thanks for the presentation.

[@cyphre]

Yes, I definitely still want one. Especially if it can be had under $20k basically. So much potential, provided it can drive at roadworthy speeds. That's the real kicker to me. None of the modules matter if I can't drive down the highway. Every inexpensive 'small truck' or EV option would not even be viable on regular streets where I live, because they are just too slow.

[@DuncanHewitt70]

Absolutely love the idea of being able to swap backs on it. We only have a 7 seater car still because it can cope with lugging smallholding buys (hay/straw/feed etc) and yet is still a 'car' for longer journeys. We still aren't as precious about it as we possibly should be, and I've seen no EV, except the Citroen conversion, that fits the bill as a future replacement. We used to have an old VW bus that was great for the same reason, with the added bonus of being useful for holidays, though cost a fortune to run and maintain. I can easily see us using the pickup version of this with the great ability of swapping for a camping version for holidays away - genius!

[@Gabblerwba1]

I am surprised , the presentation made no mention about the roof solar panels, from the beginning the Xbus was promoted with solar panels on the roof as standard, but also additionally on the sides, as an extra. This prototype van does sport a panel on the cabin roof just visible in your presentation, as well as the rear panel roof area. This is all to help top up the range of the battery packs underneath on the sides and the boot area. That is a potential win in my books.

[@SynergyDMS]

Odd. I seem to remember Jack getting very excited about the defunct solar Sono Sion EV. XBus still mentions the solar on their website. Though realistically it was only really going to be meaningful for a sandwich van in the South of France with a tiny mileage....

[@Mike_Ellis]

You want solar panels on an EV? Let’s be generous and assume you’d get 2 square meters of panel mounted. Do the maths on that! Back here on planet Earth EV’s are doomed and there are real reasons why this student project is going nowhere. I also wonder if this lab-rat has been through a series of Crash-tests? Just asking.

[@otaku0698]

Amazing. Smaller,Lighter and Simplicity is elegant. No car company in the States is smart enough to partner.

[@miskatonic6210]

Car companies in the US are fighting too much to stay relevant. They've got no money to burn.

[@jackp-j1041]

Love it. Its ideal. Small vehicle, small range, small battery, small recharge time, small wheels, with cheaper size tyres. Its basically an electric kei truck, or a Bedford Rascal EV. Only thing I'd say is that I think the external door hinges are a mistake.

[@JanterCyrano]

Easier to repair and in case of a accident easier to remove to rescue.

[@jackp-j1041]

@@JanterCyrano Not really. Rescue teams dont unscrew them, they cut them off. And repair, again, the number of bolts is the same either way, if theyre on the inside youve just got to open the doors first. On the outside theyre uglier, less aerodynamic, easier to steal and make the rest of the car less secure

[@svr5423]

The smaller the battery, the longer the recharge time (per km)

[@guidogodrie3931]

No Euro NCAP testing is something that should be mentioned. No airbag or ahy other safety features.

[@ramblerandy2397]

Even more like the old VW Transporter. 😊

[@TeaBreak.]

That will only add cost. You don't need it.

[@guidogodrie3931]

@TeaBreak. it is OK if you decide that you don't need it, but I'd very much like it. If you get hit by a car, you'll quickly change your mind while waiting for the ambulance, if you're lucky.

[@jonevansauthor]

Why? It's not a car of any kind so it's not subject to NCAP. It has all the safety features you need, wheels, a roof, brakes and the option not to crash it. Much like a motorbike or e-bike or skateboard or moped. I think it should be made clear that despite people calling them 'microcars' they're actually quadricycles and literally the entire point is that they're not cars or intended or claimed to be. I'll forgive the guy from Xbus because it's not his first language but he really should be saying quadricycle. Plus if one of the main models is.... *checks notes* a small goods delivery van it err... would not be a car, micro or otherwise, it'd be, you know, a micro-van. :D

[@jonevansauthor]

@@guidogodrie3931 and if you are worried about being hit by a car, you should buy something in the car or van classification of motor vehicle. Not that you're going to be hit, statistically speaking. It's absolutely valid to be afraid of riding a moped or a bicycle or using a quadricycle. I'd love to zip around on an electric skateboard but at my age I'm not going to try one out as I'd probably throw myself off it within five minutes. Ditto mopeds - I'd rather have a four wheeled moped.

[@SapioiT]

As long as it can be registered as both a car and a microcar, depending on the user's wish and drivers' license, I think it will have great success.

[@seabeepirate]

The camper module is intriguing, can’t wait to see the ready product.

[@jackboy2387]

You know, I've never been that interested in EVs.... but this plucky little truck has definitely gained my interest!

[@bluestraycat]

Absolutely brilliant ! I would love to see this vehicle become a worldwide success, i hope it becomes available in New Zealand

[@thomasgoh2896]

And Singapore as well.

[@squidge125]

when he explained swapping out the modules at home and renting the camper module I literally started clapping at the screen. WANT.

[@layseebalsam]

Great update! I have been searching for updates on this for years, and really hope they'll get it right. Because this is what EV's should be.

[@judebrown4103]

I'm sure i probably said it before...but this is what the idBuzz should have been, a worthy successor to the VW camper. Unlike the over blown van with the generic front vw created! Its brilliant, this, I want one, can't wait to find out what mileage its really got though...dont think you quite knew what batteries it would have, hope it can get enough for a bit of travelling in the camper...🤞👏👍

[@EatSleepEmpire]

This is my absolute favourite EV that I’m looking forward to, even above the Aptera. Can’t wait to see if they make their way to Australia.

[@JackScarlett1]

What a unique two car garage that would be!

[@philtucker1224]

Don’t you find it really ugly though?

[@EatSleepEmpire]

@@philtucker1224 not at all. If you don’t like modernist minimalist utilitarian then you won’t like it and that’s fair enough. Its the true successor to the 70’s VW kombi. I love round headlights. It’s too simple to be ugly. There’s no bad proportions. It’s not over style. Its the opposite of a Mazda 3 (which I also like) that looks like it cuts through wind, with aerodynamic flowing lines, or the tear drop Aptera that’s built for efficiency, but like the Honda E that looks similar, it’s designed for short trip urban spaces. But I think the face lift BRZ looks ugly so what do I know 😬😅

[@philtucker1224]

@@EatSleepEmpire fair comment Eat, (and I do love the 70s Combis to be honest, that was my time..)

[@jmpstrnl2007]

So, we’re not gonna talk about that hilarious close call with a “Wasp!’ ? Informative video on an intriguing and clever design. Thanks, Jack & FC!

[@christopherjones7653]

I like the shout out he gave the wasp....and didn't skip a beat. Always good commentary from Jack.

[@stephsoltesz6731]

I would LOVE one as a Pickup with 4x4 or AWD (I am rural, remote and work a pickup as a car is useless for my lifestyle (Offgrid hobby farm +). Sadly, I doubt these will ever make it to Canada... North America, the undeniable 3rd world of EV's...

[@jochenstacker7448]

These are all 4x4, it is driven by 4 hub motors, so no gearbox , transfer boxes, diffs, locking axles and that saves weight and is more reliable. You can even order it with the extra function of tank turning, i.e. the vehicle can turn on the spot..

[@rrphotography3600]

I too would love it as a 4x4. Perfect little adventurer. In aus though and we are even more backwards with electric cars haha. I currently own a small 4wd, and they are just so much fun, light weight and capable. Jimnys though are still not super efficent.

[@MaticTheProto]

@@jochenstacker7448i think they changed it to two engines

[@jochenstacker7448]

@@MaticTheProto I guess it's better for production and maybe going through water. Shame though, it was a quirky idea. Did they keep the solar?

[@MaticTheProto]

@@jochenstacker7448 I hope so. Not sure

[@Ads.D]

Still love this vehicle and still want one 😁 BUT I think the proposed changes to it are a miss - I don't think it needs to be wider (plus then it gets compared to normal sized vans), and I think the slight curves add to its appeal too. Even though I understand why, I'm not sure it will look as good as a slab sided box... 🤔

[@AlexHaan]

Indeed. I'm fine with the base Xbus to only fit two seats alongside each other. What else is the van model useful for then. All 3 can sit in the front anyway. Fine to do so on a larger model that's not L7e. But not here. 18cm also adds lots of material. And I need to pay for that.

[@thesoundsmith]

it won't, and the added width may appeal to some, but kinda foil the original purpose, IMWO (that's worthless, in context)

[@trevorberridge6079]

I agree. But you have to remember the history of vehicle startup development. You get these things rolling in a commercial and practical format and then future models can afford to be tailored to a more visually appealing version. In the meantime you'll have something that in many ways outdoes the VW Buzz and the Canoo.

[@Wannes_]

@@trevorberridge6079 Yeah, they come up with something people like, and would want to buy, then they start to develop it into something else, and finally, nothing gets produced ... If the very brief shot @ 12:11 is what they're actually going to produce 🤔 Nah ...

[@mfirving]

​@@Wannes_that unit, I'm guessing here but I think the vehicle at 12:11 is a design project from the 'school of what ifs' and looks like the steering wheel is a mid mounted indicating it's a single seater, or a passenger either side of the driver who would be set back for shoulder room as is the case in a number of small city cars now, and was the case in my MK2 Smart ForTwo. Mid mounted steering would also make production easy as it wouldn't need to re engineer for both left and right 12:12 it will produce will be for the left hand drive market. So that extra 2.7 billion extra people to pitch it's product to is a vast extra market for the company if it gets a vehicle right from the 'get go'

[@HorizonimagingCoUkPhotography]

Great looking vehicle, and another very polished delivery by Jack, bravo! 👏🏻😎👍🏻

[@yazilimokusaydin]

I like his vibe when he's cheering for the space above his head while his head literally touching to the headliner of the MIKROCAARRRR

[@mingmarlama7987]

That pickup version excites me. Looks fantastic in my view except for the headlight located so high up

[@markburton8303]

I love it. I hope it hits production very close to this concept iteration and not something depressing like the eNY1 which was a complete let down fro concept to production.

[@mfirving]

Thunderbirds are Go! 🚀 My favourite Thunderbird was No. 2 because of the way it changed it's cargo box via the drop in pods depending on the next mission, just loved it. This XBus is the EV modern eco friendly/cost conscious version of Thunderbird 2 and International Rescue would be very happy to have one on its fleet. Then there's the thought of Parker at the wheel of a pink coloured XBus, with Limousine pod attached and Lady P in the back knocking down the Champagne as she silently wafts her way to the next secret mission will send me off to a happy place in my dreams tonight when in the 1960's almost anything was possible, including cigarilla smoking, alcoholic rich characters (puppets) were seen as the cornerstone of children's prime tv shows😂❤ Love these little things by the way and a cargo pob version would be absolutely perfect to ferry my hounds around to dog shows. Then a camper pod for a bit of van life, I just hope they make it to Ireland?

[@vanrozay8871]

The model with small battery pack is very appealing to many of us who only drive locally. More EVs should have such modularity.

[@iggybogoshi4199]

I like what these guys have done with this vehicle. The modularity of the design is brilliant. And the fact u can change range by plugging in battery modules makes it versatile. And I agree that lugging around unnecessary weight in the new EV world is pure energy wastage.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wrong

[@grantlauzon5237]

I'm concerned about safety and it's top heavy-ness but it seems incredible.

[@bluemamba5317]

Just don't crash, Easy

[@ipadista]

@@bluemamba5317 Since everybody is the best driver, the major risk is not you crashing, its other people crashing into you, In the end you still want to be able to walk away, after it happens.

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

I used to have an ‘85 Toyota Van, which had a cab-over design like this does, and the only thing that gave me pause about it was the top-heaviness; I otherwise cherished that thing even if it was in abhorrent condition when I had it. I think that this vehicle’s design, with the batteries being in the floor, should help mitigate that a bit.

[@crocro8559]

I love the simplicity :)

[@user-kz9ng3te2j]

I absolutely love this. Especially the pickup and camper. ❤😊

[@Paul-67]

In that mode it would be a ideal milk float.

[@RickMunday]

I hope this thing comes to the US when finally released! It's the perfect little camper!

[@thesoundsmith]

It's not just a vehicle - it's a system, which requires direct dealer support. To be the brand, they will need dealers to stock the various shells and do the rentals - a great business opportunity, but iffy until they are established (though sole struggling car dealerships could jump on this and ADD Xbus to their inventory and rental departments.

[@pmitsie]

Almost, version 1 did not have a toilet and maximum speed permitted speed of a L7 vehicle is 90km ( 56 Mph )

[@JayLew91]

We don't get cars that are cool and efficient in the US. They "don't sell well" here apparently

[@traviszeigler5167]

Check out Canoo. That’s the US comparison.

[@maxusboostus]

I'm concerned on the height of the Headlights. Most vehicles have them as low as possible. Even HGVs have them lower than this thing. I guess it's all fine though as it's fully charged and uses the electron for power.

[@erhardt1477]

Great concept 👍

[@nomoreheroes93]

Great video Jack! Although as someone who's worked on EVs for 10 years I'd seriously doubt if any average consumer has the skills or time to change the modules - a fleet vehicle provider might be able to do it themselves though, which is probably a more realistic scenario. Given the state of the UK/EU for battery and EV manufacturing I can only see this taking off if they make it in the US or China, unfortunately - if not they'll be well beaten on price by EVs from those markets. I do think Fully Charged could add just a drop of extra cynicism to these videos, especially if it helps discourage people from disastrous investments in the likes of FC Alumni such as Lightyear, Volta, Britishvolt, LiCycle... the list goes on.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

You are wrong anyone with do it yourself skills will be able to swap bodies as that is what it is called.

[@miskatonic6210]

​@@grahamjohnson4702Barely anyone has the space, time, skills and tools to do that.

[@ricos1497]

@@grahamjohnson4702 correct, it would be fairly simple to rig up a four point jacking system that meets the relevant points on each corner of the module. However, very few people are going to have modules sitting around for purposes of flexibility. Probably very few people who actually have the lifestyle to need to, so the overwhelming majority of users would likely rent a module for the one or two required journies per year. I could imagine using a pickup or truck version on weekdays, but I'd want to be able to drive the kids around too, so unless there's a module for back seats then it'd be little use. That said, I could imagine simply taking off whichever module I'd chosen if it was quick and easy to do and leave it in my garage. I regularly drive my Nissan leaf with just myself in the car (and often just one passenger), so it would be great to ditch the additional weight. But I doubt this vehicle is for families (not that I'm suggesting it should be), it'll be a fairly niche thing, which is good.

[@RobertFisher1969]

I don’t see if that different from the camper that my family had when I was a kid. We put the camper on the pickup when we needed a camper, and we took it off when we needed a pickup. Having two modules seems like something a decent number of people would choose.

[@tricky58micky]

The three-pallet version presumably is LWB. That, coupled with a slightly wider body, would make it a very desirable vehicle. Module rental sounds a really good idea but it's doubtful take-up would be sufficient for hiring outlets to be widespread. When can a RH drive version be expected and do we have any idea of price?

[@MrLM002]

Better yet why not give it a central driving position since it'll have 3 seats? It (in theory) would work for all markets and without passengers you have a bit extra "crumple zone" on both sides.

[@PrograError]

@@MrLM002 I believe some of the national legislation might be restricting that middle position... still to see if Tesla could bring their semi to Europe.... (then again they took so long in intro-ing the semi the market is basically gone for that in EU, but the whole world basically uses that design anyways...)

[@lyrebirdcyclesmarkkelly9874]

I'm assuming that by "Euro pallet" they mean euro type 1 (800 x 1200) , so 3 of them equals two ordinary pallets (1200 x 1200, aka Euro type 2)

[@delightfulsquirtle316]

Absolutely love it. I hope ther best for them. What I am intrigued in is the safety in crash tests and the quality of the battery.

[@nortrap]

Wanted it from the first time i know about it soon 4 years ago, thats a lot of wanting :)

[@knodie6694]

Let's see if it has a better outcome than the SION. Don't forget no crash requirements!

[@AusKipper1]

Yeah, its a pretty small vehicle to not have a crumple zone...

[@vic321344]

It does not need to comply to the safety standards of normal car. It is a special light weight vehicle class.

[@fredbloggs72]

I'm still not sure if I love this or hate it. I still miss driving my old T25, and this looks like a modern EV version of that, plus 4x4 so not that dissimilar to the Syncro. My big misgiving is the, how to put this nicely, slightly opaque info around seating, range, weight, and safety.

[@AlexHaan]

Where is it said to be 4x4? Initially the wheels were planned to have hub motors. But that's not the plan anymore.

[@fredbloggs72]

@@AlexHaan This is the last I saw on it, "We will equip the XBUS with mid-mounted motors in the future. This gives the XBUS several advantages: the mid-mounted motors allow us to implement the same performance parameters, but make the vehicle much more agile and stable, as the unsprung masses are greatly reduced. Another plus point is less wear and tear, as the number of engines is reduced. The XBUS will still have all-wheel drive. In our upcoming update video we will tell you in detail about these and other decision."

[@AlexHaan]

@@fredbloggs72 Hmm. You could be right. I might remember it wrong or have made the wrong assumptions. Thank you.

[@fredbloggs72]

@@AlexHaan Almost forgot to answer, there is a reason they go for 4x4, the regs allow these to be heavier.

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

I do wish they’d provided enough estimate of range for each attached module. Not that it matters to me, being in the US.

[@jlinnlinn4241]

Very clever. I hope you pull it off. Best of luck.

[@chargeheadsuk]

Great video Jack ! 😉⚡️💯

[@fergman300]

I like the base battery...with option to add more. Making the optional battery size swappable as in Gogoro scooters battery exchange system would be great if you could use their battery swap stations to extend range on the Xbus.

[@bluemamba5317]

Adding extra battery probably almost doubles the expense. Then why not just buy normal car and not die on the road.

[@hamshackleton]

Did Jack say seventeen and a half - or seventy - thousand for the car? If the former, I'll be looking with more interest! If they make camper module as a windowed bare shell for the owner to fit out to their own requirements, that would be perfect for me. I don't need three seats in the front, there's only one of me. Selectable 4WD would be nice for off-road or winter.

[@benholroyd5221]

17. There were plans for a 4wd, I don't know if there still is or if it will see the light of day.

[@charlieverity5405]

Assume I'm not the first to notice a Bedford Rascal aesthetic... Cheers for another cool video

[@jaakkoiswatching6437]

I'd like to see Jack do a three-point-turn with those wheel mounted PRND-buttons.

[@akumabito2008]

I love this thing, but for me the 3 occupants rule makes it a non starter as a family vehicle. It also makes no sense as a commuter vehicle as there are much smaller and cheaper EV's out already like the Dacia Spring.

[@Jaw0lf]

I love the look of this and being so small it will be super efficient. I love that you can add the cargo with extra batteries when you need to carry heavier loads, but then the campr part is a great idea. Versatility and a cheap price could be a winner!

[@EMo5ive]

I’m sure I’m not the first one to say this, but Xbus and Canoo should team-up. I love what both of them are doing!

[@LarssaLarsson]

Been waiting for this! Finally an small electric truck thats simple. Has what you need and not to expensive

[@ChristianBehnke]

Love it - the modularity is awesome.

[@supamario3055]

Looks great. I would like solar on the roof tops, and maybe on the flip-out side panel(s) for off-grid remote travel. The flip-out side panels could have small gaps cut out for "windows".

[@danoupossel5072]

Solar is built into every roof on the Xbus as far as i know. But on the flip out panels is a great idea!

[@BraamWijsmuller]

Nedcar! That's an awesome outcome for that factory!

[@MrFatknacker]

I like the interchangeable pods, would be good if you enter the vehicle via some overly complex mechanism involving a sofa and that the vegetation lining your drive folded over as you leave 😉

[@philiptaylor7902]

I love the XBus. I really hope they succeed, they deserve to.

[@electricbrands-ag]

Thank you 🙏

[@peakproofuk]

20cm wider is a significant alteration!

[@rorychivers8769]

Not proportionally

[@peakproofuk]

@@rorychivers8769 I don’t see how it’s isn’t a big deal in development terms. It’s not a bodywork tweak of circa 20mm. It’s a completely different chassis, makes me think the prototypes are way off what the final vehicle will be like.

[@logicalChimp]

@@peakproofuk Bear in mind the cargo module is already ~10cm wider than the cab (just eyeballing it in the video) - so making the body ~10cm wider still may not need a chassis change, etc.

[@zambacan]

That seems like a bad idea to me. It’s a departure from the concept.

[@djscandela]

I saw this as a camper van in Vancouver BC last night with a temporary sticker to drive on the road. Didn’t know what is was till I saw this video. Dave in Vancouver Canada

[@mmau]

LOVE THIS, can't wait

[@BMWHP2]

Awesome news. Thanks Jack. This Xbus is one of the most promising and innovative EV projects of this decade. It will be produced in the Netherlands by VDL Nedcars. Sadly we cant get to the RAI this time, due to hospital stuf. But we follow the development of the Xbus and the Fully Charged channel closely. We will be in line for the Cabrio version of the Xbus. Stupid EU rules around cars prevent many of these innovations, or make it extremely hard..

[@PrograError]

sometimes the rules are the constraint needed to make even greater vehicles

[@andyhodchild8]

​@@PrograErrorAnd to protect European markets. Seems fair enough 45% of components sourced from home markets.

[@vic321344]

It is neither promising nor innovative. And after 10 Years really nothing happens. Just empty promises.

[@21ellisjames]

I love this. Considering they're talking about adding a third seat though, it seems to make sense to move to a central driving position. That would bring down production costs even further (assuming they are looking to both left- and right-hand drive markets).

[@dwc1964]

I love the modular concept. I think it would be optimal with a shared-ownership / motor-pool situation - say, a dozen or so base units with a variety of add-ons to pick from, for an apartment block. Along with a fleet of 2-seater city cars, and *lots* of bicycles. Because if you're only taking yourself from A to B, there's no need for a big metal box (as long as you've got somewhere to ride that isn't built only for cars). Rather than anyone having to own their own vehicle that has to cover all their needs, let everyone own *every* type of vehicle together - and then you've got the appropriate tool for the particular job of the moment at hand. Just figure out how many of each kind are needed to make everyone happy.

[@WonkoTheSaneUK]

I can see the box van that's shown in most of this episode being very popular as one of those sandwich/coffee vans that go door-to-door on an industrial estate every morning.

[@jwvandegronden]

Loved this thing ever since its inception! The renting part is a very smart business idea! Love it even more now!! Damn!!! It’s being built in Holland?!!! Yahoo!!! _(proud Dutchy 😊)_

[@Bob-nc5hz]

Oh yeah if you buy the vehicle but can rent some of the modules short-term it gets really interesting.

[@electricbrands-ag]

Come and visit us this weekend at RAI Amsterdam/Fully Charged Show 😊✌🏻⚡️

[@snowstrobe]

This is the BEST news. Shame they are going to make it bigger though. Really unnecessary.

[@rhidiandavies1991]

Yes and no. As someone that has a vw transporter converted to a mini camper / day van, I think I'd struggle to go down to a camper van any smaller, especially with having even one kid. Frankly even my girlfriend and I would struggle to comfortably sleep in / live out of a camper of this size for any length of time. So although it's a shame in general, for the camper variant I think the increased size will only make it more usable.

[@electricbrands-ag]

It is necessary. Due to homologation regulations ✌🏻

[@MaticTheProto]

@@electricbrands-agis that slim xbus version that was briefly shown just an old prototype or something that we might eventually get to see?

[@Dare2Doubt]

I wonder what re-framing additions as "loads" in order to maintain the lower category does for crash regulations and handling characteristics?

[@54mgtf22]

Hey Jack. Love your work 👍

[@erikziak1249]

Remove the cap over the windshield for better aerodynamics. The Škoda 1203 van had a small "cap overhang" at the front too, but it was later removed during production to improve fuel efficiency, after some repair shops started to remove the caps for customers during repairs of the vans in order to lower the fuel consumption by as much as 1 liter per 100 km.

[@staceylee4071]

The cargo version could make a realy cool fold out camper.

[@danneradcox1808]

This is what EVs should be, light, modular and user focused. The drivetrain is so different (from ICE) and can be incredibly innovatively designed.

[@usflin]

Would love to see a tour of the camper version of this!

[@aliruane]

I love this thing. It’s awesome.

[@JackFromMorley]

This will never not be called the eBussy in my mind...

[@jimmyh6601]

Bussy McBus Face though is a possibility 😊

[@akumabito2008]

"eBussy weighs 800kg, can take a ton up its backside"

[@ZachShannon1]

eBussy? Isn't that just Finnster?

[@MaxDankOG]

Bussin’ in the bussy has too many meanings if you’re cultured

[@Real_Fanny_Urquhart]

Always loved the Honda TN-Acty and that looks like the spiritual successor 😊

[@themacbookgamer]

If I lived in Europe, I would 100% buy this as my first car

[@ahoog69]

I am thrilled to see that Xbus is still around and making forward progress. I hope they are able to distribute these vehicles in the United States. Another company I have my eye on is Canoo, which also offers a wonderful micro pick up truck. They are making some progress, and I hope they keep pushing forward into the public sector (at the moment, they seem to be focusing on government and military contracts).

[@westho7314]

U and me both, hoping for a US import indeed!!! it would be a huge seller for practical people who don't have the go=faster elitest image that goes hand and hand with that Musk-rat mentality saving the planet 1 overpriced sucker at a time.

[@GreenJimll]

Lovely looking vehicle. It does sound like some of their delays are of their own causing (widen the body to fit three people across the cab rather than two, lengthening it to fit another Euro pallet in). I do wonder if they'd have come to market with what they had if they had manufacturing capability sorted earlier?

[@jonevansauthor]

100%. Why do I need three people, for it to be wider and longer, therefore heavier, and be able to carry three Euro pallets? I mean, sure, some people might like that but that's the point of modular vehicles. Would have been better to have a bunch made by now if it's actually cost them time getting to production.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

Three pallets will be more weight than it can carry and will reduce the range even with the extra batteries.

[@jonevansauthor]

@@grahamjohnson4702 they're only about 25Kg each. Imagine the likely business to buy one. Bakery? Fishmonger? It's not realistically going to be a metalworker or depleted uranium tank round manufacturer. I honestly don't see the difference between this and any other delivery vehicle. Where I used to work, shipping out large heavy boxes on Euro pallets and full sized ones, we were just sent an appropriately sized vehicle for the size and number of pallets. That did not mean that everything went out on juggernauts, or was delivered by them.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

@@jonevansauthor What are only 25kg each.

[@TFB-chris]

They definitely made some mistakes, the biggest one was to call out dates before checking if the prototype is even able to pass regulatory demands. But they are on track now.

[@Ksprypjbtch]

Great presentation!

[@Reploid-dj9jc]

freaking love the look of this vehicle , it captures the VW bus spirit very well . Almost makes me want to get a drivers licence , almost .

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

Definitely interesting, and could be quite good ...but I don't approve of the blatant classification cheating. Also, the impractical massive ground clearance, and how high up the platform is, that you put the modules on, are problems. Also no clear if there is tactile controls for climate, and basic media, controls. Still might be relatively good.

[@electricbrands-ag]

What´s the cheating part, if you talk to transport authorities in order to find out about the limitations and regulations of a certain vehicle class? 😀

[@jonevansauthor]

Jack mischaracterised that. It's not avoiding the regulations at all in any way. Check it out on Wikipedia if you want. The classification is about kerb weight of the vehicle for L6e/L7e (and indeed other L category vehicles). It's 'unladen mass not more than 450Kg for passenger vehicles or 600kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods, not including the mass of batteries in the case of electric vehicles, whose maximum net engine power does not exceed 15 kW and a maximum design vehicle speed of 90 km/h' The rest, it looked like it had a cabin to me. I wouldn't worry about it. Plug in a USB portable fan and you're good to go. ;) Since they're over a year from even starting production it'd be guesswork what the final thing will look like at this stage, even if they do survive when they clearly don't have adequate funding. :(

[@AlexHaan]

@@jonevansauthor The L7e category is split up into multiple parts. Not all sources explain them equally well. For example the

[@electricbrands-ag]

@@jonevansauthor interesting insights regarding the funding. From someone who's not an insider...

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

@@electricbrands-ag The weight of the module (and you'll typically have a module on it), isn't counted into the weight.

[@cmw3737]

I hope they keep going and use the latest batteries to up the range and max speed because I really want the camper but it has to be capable of 70mph and > 250 miles range.

[@jonevansauthor]

Ok but then it isn't a quadricycle so you don't need to bookmark this vehicle. There'll be something else along at some point that's actually a car/van and not a quadricycle. I don't mean that VW monstrosity obviously, that's just silly.

[@adrianevans1510]

Great to have an update - thanks! Does it still have the PV roof? What is the principle material for the body panels? Is the 'bus' module still available if there is a change to 3 seats in the cab?

[@CrownMotorsGroup]

Great video. 😁